Benefiting From Ramadan

Ramadan is a very special time for us, however the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur’an, we are commanded to fast so that we may “learn self-restraint” (Qur’an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our “normal” lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

Ramadan comes with a chance for EVERYONE to be forgiven and to receive Allah’s SWT mercy and blessings. Ibn Rajab says: “The blessed month of Ramadan has within it several means of forgiveness, and from them are feeding the fasting person and remembrance of Allah.It is stated in a hadith: “The one who remembers Allah in Ramadan will have his sins forgiven, and the one who calls on Him will not be disappointed” and “The Angels will seek forgiveness for the fasting person until they break their fast.” Fasting is a fortress from the Hell-fire, as long as one does not damage his fortress with evil talk. Istighfar patches what harms this fortress. Allah SWT blesses the Muslims with a whole month of mercy and forgiveness, and all what we have to do is to ask Allah SWT for forgiveness. It is reported that Abu Hurairah RA said: “Everyone will be forgiven except he who rejects. Those around him asked: Oh Abu Hurairah, who will reject? He responded: The one who does not seek Allah’s forgiveness has rejected.”

There are countless benefits of Ramadan for us, in this world, and the next!

Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to Allah SWT, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him, which makes us humble in front of Allah SWT.

Through fasting, we experiencs hunger and thirst, and sympathize with those who have little to eat and feel thankful and grateful towards Allah SWT.

Through increased charity, we develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet SAW once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.”

Through self-control, we practice good manners, good speech, and good habits.

Through family and community gatherings at iftars and taraweeh, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and feel the unity amongst us.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.